ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS 3 - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2011)

There is a reason why these furry animals known as The Chipmunks are returning to the big screen for a third time. There is also a reason why songs performed by these rodents are released on a soundtrack album for the third time. If you think about it, all it takes is for one individual to sing a tune, and thanks to the wonders of existing audio editing software, many voices of varying pitches can be produced.

And presto – you get The Chipmunks (and yes, we haven’t forgotten The Chipettes) performing 13 songs for a CD compilation of today’s most popular hits.

The 42 minute album kicks off with “Party Rock Anthem”, a tune made popular by American electro duo LMFAO which will go down well with young folks. That said, the following tracks are guaranteed hits if you are a teenager familiar with what’s in and what’s out on the airwaves.

It doesn’t really matter whether you are listening toLady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”, the catchy “Real Wild Child (Wild One)” (did you know the song originated from Australia?) and American R & B group Destiny Child’s “Survivor”. It also doesn’t matter who are the performers behind these tunes because seriously, did you think it matters whether you are hearing The Chipmunks or The Chipettes?

What really matters, especially in a soundtrack album like this, is that the tunes cater to today’s young crowd. That is why songs like Pink’s “Trouble”, Willow Smith’s “Whip My Tail” and a medley of “We Speak No Americano/ Conga” are also included on the soundtrack. With popular TV shows like Glee, you can also expect songs like “Born This Way/ Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now/ Firework” to go down well with the target audience.

Throw in a fold out posters of The Chipmunks, and you’ve got a nice gift for to present to your younger nephews and nieces this holiday season.

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (12) Born This Way/ Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now/ Firework

Review by John Li